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Music Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Music instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Pierre

"As a first time student, Caleb took the time to explain the basics of playing the instrument, and focused both on strengths and weaknesses. Already booked

our next session! I strongly recommend Caleb"

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Caleb M.

Review by James

"Hey. I thought I had to click one star at a time to get to all of them. Tom was great! Change my rating to 5 STARS.
JAMES."

Chicago, IL teacher:
Tom S.

Review by Dave

"At 39 I decided it was time to learn to play guitar, I had wanted to do it for years but just hadn't. So I bought an electric guitar and played around for

a month or so before deciding lessons were in order.

I shopped around for someone cheap, don't do that, they are cheap for a reason. I eventually came across Phil and we hit it off well. He is very well versed in blues and rock music which I was looking for. He knows music theory and breaks it down well. He's a straight shooter and will call you out when you're lazy, but always gives kudos and encouragement when appropriate.

It's nice when your teacher has practical real world experience to back up the teaching. Phil can back up his teaching and truly loves entertaining people, he puts on a great live show.

I would certainly recommend Phil as a teacher as well as a musician. Phil is a "Rock Star"!

Years later I am still playing guitar and now bass with a band several times a week and having a blast.

Thanks Phil."

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Phil C.

Review by Julie

"Miriam-Rose is one of the best teachers I know. I am also an experienced teacher and have studied violin pedagogy with professors at the Peabody Conservat

ory in Baltimore and at the Jacobs' School of Music at Indiana University, and I can highly recommend Miriam-Rose as someone who's teaching methods and approach are on par with the standards of these prestigious institutions. Her experience with kids and her Scottish Fiddling make learning with her lots of fun. Great instructor, you can't go wrong!"

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Miriam-Rose L.

Review by Michael

"I had a blast at my first lesson with Molly! I really liked her approach when it came to getting everything warmed up. Molly sure knows what she is talkin

g about and has a great way of explaining that knowledge. Highly recommend lessons with her!"

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Molly M.

Review by Debra G.

"I have been with Lipeng for a couple of months now learning how to play the piano. She is a great teacher that shows patience and definitely knows how to

motivate you to want to continue on with taking piano lessons. 5 stars"

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Lipeng C.

Review by Sara

"I have been taking lessons with Caleb for a few months now, starting as an adult beginner. Caleb works to help me see the big picture in order to facilita

te a more comprehensive understanding rather than just teaching me to memorize. I have found his teaching style very effective, and am looking forward to growing with his continued instruction and guidance. I should also note that he's a real nice guy."

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Caleb M.

Review by Michelle

"My six-year-old daughter has been taking piano lessons from Dora for about a year and I am amazed at how much my daughter has learned and how Dora has bee

n able to capture a young child's interest and passion for music. My daughter always looks forward to going to piano class, which I think is pretty amazing. Dora is great!"

About Matthew N.

About Matthew

Matthew N. has been an educator and performer in the Chicago area and suburbs for over 15 years. Currently holding a studio of nearly 30 students he has become one of the area's many successful private instructors. Teaching piano, drums, and guitar Matthew can accommodate any student's needs and musical ambitions in those areas.

Matthew has studied at the collegiate level at the University of Iowa and holds a Bachelors in Percussion Performance. He has also been performing professionally at many of Chicago's finest venues for many years. Matthew is an audio engineer certified in Pro Tools and Logic Pro, which are industry standard programs. Students are able to record and learn the art of production as they learn their instrument if they so choose. This allows students to hear themselves and learn from their performance as well as shar

*** Lesson Details ***I encourage my students to pursue all types of music. I like to use “method books” to help with reading and music theory no matter which instrument they choose. I always use supplemental materials that follow the student’s interests and level. I often use technology in lessons to motivate and help students grow. For example, I use many apps for theory, note reading, and rhythm training.

A cancellation 24hrs in advance is always appreciated.

...

Reviews

Gabriel S. November 16, 2018·Classical Piano·In home

Matt is an amazing instructor. I highly recommend him.

Ryder S. October 14, 2018·Guitar·In home

Great instructor! My kids really enjoyed the session and now have direction for practice this week.

Nathalie, Anya, Vincent J. October 3, 2018·Piano·In home

We had a great first lesson and we can't wait to keep learning. I am so grateful that he could come to my home so the kids can do homework while someone else is taking their lesson.

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Matthew N.

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Matthew N.

Naperville, IL 60564

(27)

starting at

$32
/ 30-min

About Kate P.

About Kate

I participated in every musical activity I could find while growing up: choir, concert band, jazz band, marching band, and rock bands. I decided to focus on classical clarinet performance in college, but I also continued studying piano and bass. I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2007 with a degree in Clarinet Performance.

In high school, I taught private clarinet lessons to younger students. Teaching helped me become a better player and leader. Since 2007, I have been teaching elementary general music in Chicago Public Schools. Around the same time, I began teaching private piano lessons as well as clarinet lessons.

Private lessons allow me to tailor each session to the individual student. There are many ways of learning, and at least as many ways of teaching. My goal as a teacher is to pass on lessons o

f patience, creativity, appreciation, confidence and dedication to my students. I hope my students will apply these lessons to their musical studies and throughout all areas of their lives.

Music has been an incredibly powerful force in my life, and it is my passion to share the benefits of music through instruction and performance.

***Lesson Details ***

I want my students to leave their lessons with skills and confidence that will help them in all areas of life. It is important to me that I give my students the ability to keep learning outside of our lessons. I believe that music is an art form that can be enjoyed by all!

Working with beginners is my specialty. I understand that each student learns differently, and finding the right method for my students is very important to me. The fundamentals learned in the first year of piano benefit any new musician, and can be applied to other instrumental studies.

Piano and clarinet lessons begin with an assessment of ability and setting of goals. I prefer to use the Faber and Faber piano series with most of my piano students. All lessons are a combination of theory, instrumental/performance technique, and ear training.

...

Reviews

Marilyn M. February 22, 2015·Piano·In home

Kate is such a great instructor. She has always been super sweet and patient with my daughter. She is very reliable and accommodating to our schedule. My daughter has learned so much from Kate.

angela J. November 27, 2013·Piano·

Amazing experience

I have always wanted to learn how to play the piano and rad music. Kate is a lovely teacher. She is patient, knowledgeable and a great teacher. Each lesson is challenging but very rewarding. I am so pleased with how much I have learned in such a short time. She is such a joy!

Marilyn M. October 30, 2013·Piano·

Perfect

Katie has been great. She has been teaching my daughter for several months.

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Kate P.

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Kate P.

Chicago, IL 60628

(5)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Joseph M.

About Joseph

My Story:

As a guitarist in my early years I spent much time reworking my technique and gaining insight in how guitar playing really works. My early struggles gave way to a solid knowledge of the guitar and music.

This was gained through no small part through my High School music teacher, through master classes of Manuel Lopez Ramos and Abel Carlevaro and others.

These master classes helped me in a big way to develop teaching systems and principles that can help anyone to learn guitar easier and more effectively.

You will gain from the knowledge of these world class guitarists and teachers which will help you to play better and more musical.

And from my musical background-of playing hundreds of songs and compositions of many styles and understanding o

f musical structure.

Teaching philosophy

I will give you simple technical training to help the hands work together and develop a musical sound. As I teach I look for your gifts (in creativity, musical playing etc) and actively look to enhance that gift.

When problems come along in your studies, I help you to solve them in a way you can apply them for yourselves. Teach and show students how music works and how to play artistically.

How to Start

Will work with you to find a convenient time/day to schedule lessons at your home or our studio

There is a money back guarantee on the 1st lesson so you can try and see how lessons can help you to reach your goals. Selecting the "get started now" button will put you in contact with our student counselors.

P.S. Take the first step in learning music by contacting us.

*** Lesson Details ***Teaching for over 13 years in all major styles. Helping beginning or returning students of all ages (kids and adults). and backgrounds to learn music.Have taught all ages from 5 to 60 years old.

Will work to develop a personalized plan specifically for you and/or your child or family member.

Studied at Roosevelt University as a classic guitar major with music education and jazz studies.

Give students a well rounded education in all the major styles-techniques, teaching them finger picking as well as pick technique, chords and improvisation.

I specialize in building a strong foundation both musically and technically for people that have not played guitar or even music before and helping them to reach the musical goals they desire.

For the pick guitar I use the Mel Bay method along with handouts for chords/exercises and finger picking patterns This gives you flexibility to explore many musical styles.

For classic guitar I use the Sagreras or Parkening methods plus the same handouts as for pick guitar.

For electric bass I use the Hall Leonard Method, plus handouts.

I teach children how to practice and to keep a practice schedule.

I operate with a patient approach, a comfortable learning process. This helps you to learn properly and builds a solid foundation for your playing.

Lesson Progression

In general after 3 months you will know all the basic chords and how to change them. How to play the blues scale, read music /tab plus some songs with basic chords.

For the electric bass you will play blues patterns, read music and tab.

After 6 months you will be in general able to play bar chords, and more complex songs (with full chords).

For the electric bass more complex songs, movable major scales.

Keep in mind as you move through these studies you will be enjoying playing music and be moving towards the goal you had in mind in taking up music including learning the music, the styles you wanted to play.

*** Studio Equipment ***I can provide a music stand and a foot stool. I can get them or show them where to get a method book They would just need a guitar.

*** Travel Equipment ***I can teach lessons at the students home in Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Morton Grove, Skokie, Wilmette and adjoining communities.

*** Specialties ***Be encouraged that you and/or your family member can learn to play and it's not as hard as you think.

What I have found is it takes no special talent to play the guitar, just the desire to practice and learn. Lessons with a teacher helps you to learn quicker and more problem free, unlike other approaches. A teacher can help you personally when you have problems and questions. The investment you make will help you or a family member to play music for many years...

Joseph M.

Joseph M.

About Michael C.

About Michael

Hi there!

I am a guitar, bass and piano player with over 20 years of experience to offer my students. I graduated from Duquesne University, (Pittsburgh, PA) in 1992 with a Bach. of music performance, jazz emphasis. I have toured, recorded and given lessons all over the world. Check out my photos and videos for some examples of what I do. (all students are posted with permission and parental permission)

My passion as a teacher is simply to help you learn to play and enjoy music. I tailor my lessons to suit your specific needs. Whether you are a parent who wants their child to learn a solid musical foundation or a busy adult who just wants to sit and learn some songs, I have a method that keeps your interest while developing your skills.

I like to spend at least half of the lesson playing together. I find the interactive approach

to be the most fun and the most effective. I will use whatever style you like. If it is a good song, we can learn something by playing it!

I teach guitar, bass guitar and upright bass, beginner through intermediate, as well as beginning piano. Several of my students have gone on to professional careers. I even had a former student compete on the Voice last year, which was a lot of fun to watch!

My studio is located in Skokie, just north of the Chicago border. I am also available for in home lessons in the near north suburbs. Sorry, I do not travel south into the city unless it is very close to the northern edge. For more information or to schedule a lesson, please contact Take Lessons. Your success is my goal!

...

Reviews

Kip September 13, 2018·Piano·In studio

Never had a better teacher! And I've had lots.

Delia July 14, 2018·Acoustic Guitar·In studio

Coming from a person that never took an instrument in her hands and had zero knowledge about music, I could have not asked for a better first lesson than the one I had today with Mike! He was very patient and fun. I am looking forward to the following lessons!

Kip July 2, 2018·Upright Bass·In studio

I've never had a better lesson, on any instrument, and I've taken lessons at the Music Institute. Mike got me playing in minutes, but also delved into technique, theory, and fundamentals. Can't recommend him highly enough.

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Michael C.

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Michael C.

Skokie, IL 60076

(20)

starting at

$17
/ 30-min

About Jon N.

About Jon

Jon N. was born and raised in Mexico City and is proudly an American citizen. He has been performing since the age of three, on several instruments, studying music since fourteen, and still takes lessons to this day. What's not to love?

He is proud to teach at all levels, including many professional musicians with master’s degrees, adult beginners, and of course, kids of all ages between 8 and 75.

They are encouraged to select the music they want to learn, so we have worked on classical music and original compositions, which I also coach, jazz, blues, pop, rock, the Great American Songbook, reggae, seven different kinds of Jewish music, and other ethnic music from all over the globe.

Frequently the younger students will request a tune I've never heard, but I magically transform the MP3 into a handwritten score at the student's l

evel. Example, one of my adult beginners wanted to play the big symphonic poem Scheherazade, and I wrote out the main tunes for easy piano.

...

Reviews

Danny May 25, 2018·Arrangement and Composition·In studio

Great instructor and very knowledgeable. Really wants to understand you to cater to your needs.

Alex November 1, 2017·Trumpet·In home

It is very rare to find a teacher as enthusiastic as Jon. He is always genuinely excited for our lessons and wants us to study what I want to study, which to me is a big plus. Overall, I am having a fantastic time learning the trumpet and I absolutely plan on continuing to study with him.

Jocelin John October 17, 2016·Flute·In home

He has a very friendly and was willing to answer all of my questions. He worked at my own pace and helped me to move quickly in learning.

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Jon N.

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Jon N.

Skokie, IL 60077

(8)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

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About Josh G.

About Josh

I am an avid clarinetist, energetic performer and enthusiastic teacher. My dream career is to be a soloist like Martin Frost, to play in an orchestra, or compose and perform my music.My passion for teaching is similar to my passion for performing, and I have experience teaching privately since 2013 and in front of large groups, as a staff member for a high school marching band.My teaching style is all about fundamentals as I try and break down the things you need to know about playing into easy to understand fundamentals that can be applied to all future playing.

...

Reviews

Neeyah November 10, 2018·Saxophone·Online

Shows patience.

Bahram October 29, 2018·Clarinet·In studio

Josh is a wonderful clarinet teacher. He's patient, instructive, and he gives positive and constructive feedbacks. I am an adult beginner on the clarinet and I feel like I've improved a lot during the first three lessons with Josh.

Carrie S. October 6, 2018·Saxophone·Online

We have had ongoing lessons with Josh for about a year and we are still very pleased. Easy-going demeanor, very positive with his feedback yet still gets his point across when my son is not doing something correctly. He is teaching him not just how to play the music but also how to improve his style and structure of play. We picked a good one!

I can also teach guitar, piano, drums, and voice. As a mulit-instrumentalist, jamming with my students is a priority. Being able to play with other musicians is one of the best feelings you’ll ever experience. I’m happy to take you there!

Recently, I helped one of my bass players get a scholarship to go to Berklee Summer Camp to study music.

I am very excited to continue my teaching on TakeLessons. I look forward to helping new students to become the musician of their dreams.

I've been playing professionally in Chicago for five years where I play up

right for a classical chamber pop group called the Nine Worlds Ensemble and for a jazz group with Frank Catalano, a popular Chicago sax-man. I co-managed, played upright bass, and sang for an ambient-folk band, Sedgewick, based in Chicago. I've played upright bass in the Frank Catalano and Jimmy Chamberlin (drummer for Smashing Pumpkins) super group and Bowmanville.

I am currently dreaming up my own jazz-inspired project called the ohm trio. Working on my debut record under my solo name ohm. Be on the look out!

...

Reviews

Megan October 24, 2018·Acoustic Guitar·In home

Oliver is a wonderful teacher. This is my daughter's second guitar teacher and what a difference from the first. He is enthusiastic, talented, patient and a lovely person. All qualities that truly make him the best instructor. She is learning quickly and really looks forward to her guitar lessons each week. So happy that we found him!

YC W. October 8, 2018·Guitar·In studio

Would recommend! Oliver tailors classes to your level and goals. He is patient and gets excited about songs that you want to play.

Jackie L. August 9, 2018·Guitar·In home

Oliver is very patient with my teenage son. He had a very basic understanding of music when he started with taking lessons with Oliver, and I've seen the upward transition in both passion and skills in a matter of few months.

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Oliver H.

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Oliver H.

Chicago, IL 60647

(15)

starting at

$34
/ 30-min

About Claire C.

About Claire

My name is Claire and I have been making a living as a touring/gigging musician for the last eight years. I studied music performance and production at Columbia College Chicago. I have played in a variety of styles, both solo and as part of a band. I currently tour with my band, The Lucky Dutch on keys and vocals. My students start their journey learning music of their choice, sparking interest and enthusiasm from the very first lesson. My motto is "Relentless Positivity" and it shows in my lessons. There is never a consequence for a wrong answer or misplaced note and the worst thing that can happen is we play it again. We will work together to navigate this inspiring and often humbling path.

A word on cancellations: consistency is the most important aspect of music education. With that in mind, I need to maintain a strict scheduling p

olicy for canceled or missed lessons. While I will try to accommodate illnesses and emergencies, I do ask for 24 hour advanced notice when canceling. I will have to charge full lesson price for late cancellations and no shows. Thank you!~Claire

...

Reviews

Jonathan August 23, 2018·Piano·In studio

A casual, informative time with relentless positivity. Lessons go by your pace and Claire's been more than equipped to address any side questions that come up at will.

Krista July 29, 2018·Piano·In home

Claire was great with my kids - very positive! Awesome person and teacher!

LM May 7, 2018·Singing·In studio

Claire is awesome! Not only is she very talented and patient, she makes an effort to make me feel comfortable and confident during the lesson. Super fabulous :)

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Claire C.

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Claire C.

Chicago, IL 60618

(15)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Andrea T.

About Andrea

I am a professional opera singer and voice teacher. I graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance.

Voice students can expect to find a solid foundation in vocal technique from lessons each week. They also will find a foundation in music theory and sight singing which I believe are incredibly important to developing well-rounded musicianship. Singing should also be fun! I believe that together, we can find music that is enjoyable for you to perform and that will help create a life-long love of singing.

My personal passion is classical music and musical theatre but I strongly believe that healthy technique is critical for every type of singer. I look forward to meeting you!

Policy for students: I have a 24hr cancellation policy so that if my students cancel with less than 24 hrs I’ll be cha

rging my students as no shows. In addition, three no shows will unfortunately result in the termination of lessons altogether.

...

Reviews

Renlin X. April 14, 2018·Singing·In home

Great teacher

Muriel August 29, 2017·Classical Voice·In studio

Andrea is a kind and patient instructor. When I took my first lesson with Andrea, I hadn't sung in years. By the end of that lesson, I already felt like I'd improved a great deal. She gave me the tools to continue growing as a musician.
I've had several voice teachers and Andrea is among the best. Her teaching style is very clear and accessible. She also has a great understanding of the voice as an instrument and won't push you to do more than your voice is ready for in a given lesson.

Noah August 28, 2017·Vocal Training·In studio

Andrea helped me prepare for my first vocal performance. I was new to singing and she was a very patient and helpful teacher.

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Andrea T.

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Andrea T.

Chicago, IL 60657

(3)

starting at

$42
/ 30-min

About Khara G.

About Khara

I am a professional Music Educator, Music Director, and Arts Administrator with over 25 yrs experience as a Saxophonist. I have a very long, successful, and diverse music background with many areas of expertise and training. Some of these areas include: Saxophone Performance and Instruction, Drumline Directing, Choral Directing, Arts Management/Administration, Music Technology & Sound Recording, Drum Major/Band Leadership & Training, Choreography, and much more. If it's Music or Education related - I can probably help you!

My background includes being a former HBCU Drum Major, former Interim Artistic Director of a major professional Jazz Ensemble, and earning a Bachelor's of Science in Music and 2 Master Degrees (Arts Management and Teaching). I am currently a licensed public school Music Teacher and Music Director of a youth Drumlin

e and Chorus. My music students have excelled and grown each year tremendously and I am very proud of all of their hard work, our performances, and achievements. Most recently, a group of my middle school students and I were flown out to Anaheim, California by The NAMM Foundation to perform at The NAMM Show 2018! My students had the experience of a lifetime performing before large audiences, sharing the stage with professional recording artists, meeting various celebrities, and experiencing the full "red carpet" treatment complete with free Disneyland Tickets! Not only that, thanks to The NAMM Foundation, my youth Drumline received an extremely generous financial donation and support to build the program to even greater levels!

Now taking my Music instruction to greater levels, I am expanding music lessons to all ages via TakeLessons and can help you towards achieving your musical goals. Whether it's Saxophone Instruction, Beginner Percussion Instruction, training for Drum Major auditions, or simply learning to read music - contact me and let's see how I can help!

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